Jess Phillips, the UK safeguarding minister, is grappling with online abuse from Elon Musk after rejecting a proposed national inquiry into child grooming in Oldham. Musk, the X (formerly Twitter) CEO, has labeled Phillips a "witch" and "rape genocide apologist," further escalating the controversy.
Phillips, speaking to ITV News, expressed concern for her safety, citing the widespread nature of Musk's attacks. She emphasized that the abuse is especially troubling given the immense trauma faced by victims of child sexual exploitation.
Musk's criticism stems from Phillips' decision not to endorse a national inquiry, citing the prior existence of a similar inquiry. This decision, however, has drawn criticism for allegedly neglecting the specific needs of the Oldham community.
Phillips countered that Musk's comments are "ridiculous," noting his apparent lack of understanding of the issue. She highlighted the time and effort needed to address the complex issues of child grooming and sexual exploitation. She also pointed out a lack of meaningful action from the Tories despite their long history in power.
This incident underscores the potential for online abuse to impact public figures, particularly those working to address sensitive social issues. Phillips' reaction showcases a determination to continue her advocacy despite the personal cost.
